A Note From the Editor: As we’re inundated with news headlines with every passing day, hour and tweet it seems, we thought it would be helpful to begin curating select news stories here for you that bear particular importance about the world we live in and the people who shape it. It’s easy to consume; it’s a lot harder to stop, process, and think critically about what’s going on around us.
We hope this series opens the door for conversations to develop and for voices to be heard. We encourage you to share your own thoughts on the stories shared and suggest new ones for us to feature in the comment section below.
Iran’s Nuclear Deal
The facts: After working through negotiations for over 20 months, the United States along with other major world powers (like the UK, France, China, Russia and Germany) have tentatively reached an agreement with Iran in regards to the country’s nuclear program. It’s estimated that the new measures outlined in the deal would effectively lengthen the time it would take for Iran to assemble a nuclear weapon from 2-3 months to at least one year, putting checks in place to ensure a peaceful program while lifting economic sanctions. Congress now has 60 days to review the agreement, which is being aggressively debated on many sides.
Our response: Though it can be a little unnerving to follow headlines in the Middle East and think about what the implications of nuclear weaponry could mean, we also have the choice to look at the facts and focus on what we do know, rather than letting our mind project fears. No single leader or country can perfectly predict or control the future, but we should be encouraged (regardless of the specifics) that top world leaders are focusing on diplomacy and working together to ensure safety and peace for everyone, even if that peace has yet to be fully recognized. In a world with many different beliefs, opinions, customs and languages, compromises aren’t just a good idea; they’re a necessity for coexistence.
For updated information on this story: CNN
Hi, Pluto!
The facts: Traveling over 3.6 billion miles to get the shot, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft released new images of the “dwarf planet,” Pluto. Photos reveal ice mountains so large that they have scientists rethinking the amount of water Pluto contains, possibly even enough to support forms of life. The probe also revealed images of Pluto’s largest moon, Charon, showing deep canyons, troughs, cliffs and mysterious dark regions.
Our response: While this footage of Pluto is absolutely fascinating, it’s even more interesting to note how surprised scientists are by what the photos reveal. It’s a simple reminder that we should always leave room for a healthy amount of wonder with anything that we study, never thinking that we see (and know) things exactly as they can appear.
For updated information on this story: CNN and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Beauty Blogger Video & Online Harassment
The facts: Beauty blogger Em Ford released a three-minute video sharing real comments that she has received from readers and viewers in response to seeing her without makeup on. In the video she attempts to challenge society’s preconceptions of ideal beauty, while also showing the real-life impact “harmless” online comments can have.
Our response: Em’s video is a sobering look at the reality of our words. In an age where we can interact with others without even being on the same continent, we run the risk of desensitizing ourselves to the people behind our screens. Just because someone can’t see you in person, doesn’t mean that your words still can’t strike their heart. Negative or constructive feedback is one thing, but since when is it OK to hurt someone without a second thought? Let’s bring back the second thought. Let’s think before we type.
For updated information on this story: Huffington Post
GMO Labeling Law
The facts: The US House of Representatives is currently considering a bill that would prevent mandatory labeling of foods that are genetically-modified, known as GMOs. Opponents of the bill say that people have a right to know what’s in their food, while supporters argue that GMOs have been proven safe and that mandatory labeling would only increase cost and create confusion for consumers.
Our response: This bill ultimately raises the question of who should be in charge of our food. As we grow increasingly distant from the food our great-grandparents ate, we should take extra effort to form an opinion on our food choices before the choice is made for us. If you’re in favor of GMOs, do the research as to why they’re proven safe; don’t take someone else’s word for it. If you’re against GMOs, double your effort to support local, organic farms and consider taking action to call or write your representative to express your concern.
For updated information on this story: CBS News
Image via Stefan Junir
